You'll pay if we fail! Arsenal stars to face wage cut if they miss out on top four

Arsenal players will be forced into taking significant wage cuts if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The club are currently attempting to tie down a clutch of their core players to long-term contracts.

But Sportsmail can reveal those new deals will include Champions League failure clauses that will essentially result in players taking home less money if they fail to make Europe’s elite competition.

Show me the money: Arsenal are preparing for the worst with some of their senior players facing a wage cut if they fail to qualify for the Champions League

Players who are in talks over new deals include Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna.

The decision from the Gunners hierarchy has been made to protect the club financially should they miss out on the cash windfall linked to Champions League qualification. The clauses stipulate a player will not receive full bonuses if they miss out on the top four.

The move provides a clear indication that substantial concerns are emerging from within Arsenal, who have been Champions League mainstays during the modern era, that they may miss out this season.

Why does it rain on me? Arsene Wenger has faced a fan backlash this season

While the club view the decision as
making business sense, the move is likely to frustrate fans who have
seen their best players walk away over the past two seasons.

An
Arsenal spokesman said on Thursday night: ‘Each player has an
individual contract which contains elements of performance-related
payments, which are linked to a player’s individual contribution and
also to the club’s progress in both domestic and European competitions.
This is normal practice across football clubs.’

Meanwhile,
Sportsmail understands Sagna has been offered a one-year extension by
the Gunners. Sagna’s deal expires at the end of next season. He is said
to want a longer-term deal and discussions are ongoing.

Arsenal
are also believed to be heading to Germany tomorrow to watch Schalke
striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. He has scored in both his Champions League
games against the Gunners this season.

And
speaking to French television on Wednesday night, Wenger confirmed
Arsenal want to sign two players in January as well as bringing back
Thierry Henry for a third spell at the club.

Home boy: Club legend Thierry Henry could return to Arsenal for a third spell

One year deal: Bacary Sagna

He
said: 'This winter we will work very hard because we have some funds
available. It could happen that we buy two players, but I cannot reveal
the names.

'A loan [for Henry] is still a possibility, but we will still try to strengthen for the long term.

'Henry
is the talent that you dream to have. He has fantastic physique,
fantastic technique, a fantastic brain, all built together in one man.
At the start he was not confident enough but he has gone on to show what
a great player he is.'